Do you know what a real estate lock box is?

The Lock Box

You’ve decided it’s time to put your house on the market. And, one of the things you keep hearing about is a lock box. So what exactly is a lock box?.

It’s a metal box that you put the house key into. This will allow Realtors access to the home so that it can be shown to prospective buyers.The lock box will be located outside the house and can go on the doorknob, a bench, even a gas meter, I’ve actually had times where I used a bicycle chain to attach to a tree. In fact, it doesn’t matter where it goes. What is important is that it’s there and it’s accessible. And it’s important because it will allow a key to be kept securely. As a result, Realtors can access the key and show the house when you were not available to let people in.

There are two types of lock boxes.

First is a combination box. These combination boxes are very inexpensive, you can actually buy one at any hardware store for under $10. Actually, it might be a good idea just  to have one somewhere. That way you’ll never lock yourself out of the house. Because all you’ll need do is remember the combo. But realistically, for real estate purposes,  it’s not the most secure way to do things. There is no paper trail as to who actually goes into the house.

The second type of lock box is an electronic box. This is a very sturdy box, and it has an electronic paper trail. What happens is the Realtor has an electronic key that will open the box. It may be a standalone key, it may be a phone talking to the lock box via Bluetooth. When a realtor puts in their 4-Digit pin the lock box will open and inside the box is the key to the house. Again there’s an electronic paper trail, if I’m on the proper website when someone opens up one of my listings, it shows me immediately whatever realtor has just entered the house.

Why do I need one?

In order to sell your home, prospective buyers need to see it. If you’re always home to let them in, you don’t need it. But if you can’t always be there, another way to get access is necessary. Please don’t make your Realtor be the one who needs to let them in. And please, don’t make the Realtor who is showing the home drive to the listing Realtor’s office to get the key. That will reduce the number of showings the property receives.

Bottom Line

Realtors need access to the home. There’s a paper trail, and Realtors know this. A lock box is the most convenient and secure way to give Realtors access.